England

Premier League leaders Liverpool said they were "disappointed" by the city's mayor saying the season should not be restarted even behind closed doors because of the risk of fans gathering outside Anfield. 

Liverpool were 25 points clear of closest rivals Manchester City, who have a game in hand, when the league was suspended in March and need only two wins to secure their first top flight title in 30 years. Premier League clubs are set to meet on Friday to discuss ways to finish the season, with some already back in individual training. 

MANCHESTER, England — The Premier League has not played any matches since March 9 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but with UEFA having set a deadline of May 25 for leagues to inform them of their re-start plans, the clubs are actively seeking a way to resume the 2019-20 season and finish the remaining nine games.

Doing so would ensure they avoid potential financial penalties from broadcasters, crown the champions and decide the questions of European qualification and relegation.

MANCHESTER, England — European football leagues have been given a May 25 deadline to inform governing body UEFA of their plans to restart their domestic competitions.

Soccer has ground to a halt in all major leagues in Europe and none have yet to resume. But UEFA is keen to start planning for next season's European club tournaments.

After four seasons in the Dutch capital, Hakim Ziyech has seen his Ajax career come to a premature conclusion thanks to the global outbreak of COVID-19. 

The Eredivisie season was ended without crowning a champion for the first time in the competition's 64-year history after prime minister Mark Rutte banned all matches until September. The league announced that the table will be finalized as it currently stands and, in addition to not crowning a winner, no teams will be relegated or promoted. 

It’s been six weeks since the English Premier League suspended play due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Arsenal has been out slightly longer, having gone into self-isolation after manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for COVID-19 on March 12. But Arsenal training is set to resume on shortly, even though England has yet to lift stay-at-home measures in the country.

MANCHESTER — English cricket's governing body said it has been given the leading role for all sport in the country, including soccer, in examining how to create 'bio-secure' venues as leagues look for ways to restart their competitions without fans.

Chelsea's first-team players are not taking pay cuts or contributing towards the club financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the club said in a statement on Saturday.

Following extensive talks, the players have instead been asked to continue "supporting other charitable causes," Chelsea said in the statement.

LONDON — Players at the Premier League's top clubs should "stick to their guns" and resist pressure to take pay cuts during the COVID-19 shutdown, ex-Manchester United captain Roy Keane said on Friday.

Professional soccer in England has been suspended since March 13 due to the pandemic and some Premier League clubs have furloughed non-playing staff under a government scheme.

Players at some clubs have accepted wage deferrals while Arsenal's players and coaching staff agreed a 12.5 percent salary reduction.